King and Maxwell

It seems at first like a simple, tragic story. Tyler Wingo, a teenage boy, learns the awful news that his father, a soldier, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Then the extraordinary happens: Tyler receives a communication from his father...after his supposed death. Tyler hires Sean and Michelle to solve the mystery surrounding his father. But their investigation quickly leads to deeper, more troubling questions. Could Tyler's father really still be alive? What was his true mission? Could Tyler be the next target? Sean and Michelle soon realize that they've stumbled on to something bigger and more treacherous than anyone could have imagined.

Where does King and Maxwell rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I read some of the reviews of this book and almost didn't get it because of them. However, after completing it a little while ago I felt a need to get in here and post something on behalf of other Baldacci fans that might be on the edge. If you are waffling like I was and are uncertain, trust your gut and trust David Baldacci's talent. This is indeed a good book. Okay, I will admit that its not my all time favorite work of his, but come on, it certainly was not as bad as some of the reviews I read. I would put it on my A- list.

What was one of the most memorable moments of King and Maxwell?

There were several moments that made me hit the pause button and literally ask "Why do people not like this book? This is a great book!" There's action, drama, humor, emotion, an almost tearful reunion and a suspense filled ending that I absolutely loved. I am not going to spoil it for you, but toward the end there is an impossible but cleverly crafted incident in the Potomac that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Which scene was your favorite?

The suspenseful first contact between King and Wingo with Maxwell providing "long-eye" cover with a sniper rifle was one of my favorite moments. I found the relationship between King and Maxwell and Wingo Sr., a bit awkward at times given the circumstances. It finally worked itself out smoothly enough to be appreciated.

Any additional comments?

To my peer Baldacci fans that did not like this book, I think I understand where you are coming from in that the story line seemed a little, as I said, impossible but it is a work of fiction. I find it hard to beat up too much on Baldacci given the overall fun I had with this book. The performance of the cast was excellent in my opinion. Don't give up on our incredible author, he's worth the following.

Annihilation: Star Force, Book 7

Kyle Riggs is in for a rough ride. In Annihilation, the seventh book of the Star Force Series, nothing goes as planned. The three fledgling human colonies in the Eden System are beginning to take hold, but the forces threatening to root them out are many. The Crustaceans are calling for help, despite the fact they are the sworn enemies of Star Force. Are they potential allies, or vicious tricksters? And why are the oceans of their world heating up?

Would you consider the audio edition of Annihilation to be better than the print version?

Of course. Mark Boyett is such an accomplished narrator, a favorite - right next to Scott Brick. He is so good that when I read print edition of any novel I hear Mark's voice anyway.

What did you like best about this story?

Ever notice how one character just seems to steal every scene even when they aren't really trying to? Our beloved galactic robot - Marvin - has gone and upgraded himself for a specific project. In his best effort to take care of a tragic situation for Col. Riggs, he's applied his unemotional and scientific zeal for discovery and taken it to a grotesque level. Yet, you cannot help but appreciate his adaptive creativity.

Which scene was your favorite?

This was a toss up for me. There is a scene where Riggs and some of his "Pigs" are hunkered down in the dirt trying to fight a gigantic mech that is steamrolling over them. Hoping to score a win by fighting from underneath the behemoth, the team finds themselves with a frighteningly over-sized target sure to squish them. That little battle was so well written I could sense the fear and hear the deafening sounds.The second scene is where Kyle Riggs punches into the room to see what Marvin is up to. The resulting description of Marvin's self-edit to accomplish a medical task was a stroke of macabre that really spiced up an otherwise predictable storyline.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, its the funeral scene. I don't want to let out here who dies, but the scene is so powerful. Go ahead and place a bookmark here - because this, in my opinion, is the turning point for Kyle.

Any additional comments?

I was afraid that this book might be a little bit of a dud based on other reviews. I disagree, having found this to be a critical book in the series. Its the perfect setup for a change in the protagonist's personality and sets us on the path of something new. The narration was flawless as usual for Mr. Boyett. Trust the series, trust B.V., and go ahead and get Annihilation. Its worth the credit or the coin. Well done!

Suspect

LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well, not since a shocking nighttime assault by unidentified men killed his partner, Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty - until he meets his new partner. Maggie is not doing so well, either. The German shepherd survived three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing explosives before she lost her handler to an IED and sniper attack, and her PTSD is as bad as Scott’s. They are each other’s last chance.

Probably not, but that is only because the characters and story are indelibly etched into my memory thanks to a well written book. What a great story!

What did you like best about this story?

Having worked with Police Dogs - both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, for nearly fifteen years and having handled four of them myself, it was truly refreshing to read a story about a service dog that actually captured the spirit of how these animals work and think. "Alpha safe, pack safe, pack happy!" Indeed, it's all about The Pack!More often than not working with these dogs is like dealing with a 2 year old child.However, there are those rare moments that come along from time to time where they emerge from their per-adolescent tendencies to become bigger than life and are so incredibly courageous. Likewise, the cop side of the story was well written too. Perhaps a little over the top, but it made for a great fictional story filled with passion and intrigue. I was listening to this book about the same time that rogue Ex-LAPD cop Chris Dorner went on his killing spree which made this story even more timely and effectual for me.I highly recommend this book for Police drama junkies, especially anyone that has worked with Police or Military K9's.

Have you listened to any of MacLeod Andrews’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this was my first with MacLeod, and I found him enjoyable and wouldn't hesitate listening to him again. Bravo!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Conquest: Star Force, Book 4

Conquest is the next chapter in the great interstellar war between all living creatures and the machines. Star Force must stop the machine invaders once again - but how?

In the fourth book of the Star Force series, Kyle Riggs has freed Earth from the chains of the Macros - but at what cost? The Macros no longer trust him. He is a mad dog that must be put down - and all Star Force must be stamped out with him. The war expands in this story, and mankind is once again faced with annihilation.

The tireless conquest of Colonel Riggs and the Starforce Marines was phenomenal. As they relentlessly pursue the Macros across the universe I was left feeling almost sorry for them as it seemed they never got much R&R. While all of Earth hung in the balance, and their mission was crucial to survival, I couldn't help but think how heroic the characters were. I wondered, would I have that stamina, that resolve to keep on going?

What was one of the most memorable moments of Conquest?

Seeing Marvin return from his little adventures of hunting and gathering was a wonderful surprise toward the end. I can see where that character might be going and I am anxious to find out if I'm right.

Which character – as performed by Mark Boyett – was your favorite?

Hands down,Marvin. Boyett did a superb job of personalizing each character and I will be watching for more Boyett narrations.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

My work productivity slowed due to this great performances of Boyett and the excellent writing of B.V. Larson...couldn't put it down. Also discovered that I need to turn down the volume of my headset so the wife can sleep better. She didn't appreciate the battle for Andros Island at 3 in the morning like I did.

Any additional comments?

Conquest left me anxious for whatever is coming next.

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